Peter Lachmann

Sir Peter Lachmann FMedSci FRS

Biography

Peter Lachmann is an immunologist who investigates the mechanisms by which the immune system protects against pathogens. The same mechanisms cause inflammation and can give rise to disease. Peter is an expert on complement, a system that contributes largely to these mechanisms.

His research interests include the immunochemistry, biology and genetics of complement. His work in downregulating its central pathway promises to produce a treatment for the eye condition, age-related macular degeneration. He has also studied immunopathology — the ways in which the immune system causes disease, with a special interest in systemic lupus erythematosus and allergy to insect stings.

Peter was founding President of the Academy of Medical Sciences and has been active in policy and ethical aspects of medical science in a number of key areas such as vaccination policy, stem cell research and genetically modified crops. Peter has received several international awards and was knighted in 2002.